It was the final day of March 1992 when I talked to Sammy Sosa for the first time. He was just 23 years old, having been acquired the day before from the White Sox with pitcher Ken Patterson in exchange for veteran outfielder George Bell.

We were at the original HoHoKam Park, and Sosa was sitting on a weight bench in the hallway outside the locker room. The clubhouse at that old facility was too small to actually hold any training equipment within the locker room’s confines, forcing the creation of a makeshift weight room.

I introduced myself to this shy, quiet kid, and we immediately hit it off.

Little did I, or Sammy, or anyone else know what the future would bring: 609 home runs – including a club-record 545 as a Chicago Cub … seven All-Star Games … six Silver Slugger Awards … an epic 1998 battle with Mark McGwire, capped by a National League MVP Award … massive adoration and adulation.

Little did I, or Sammy, or anyone else know that his departure from the Cubs after the 2004 season would be remembered more than what he did during his 13 years with the club. Certainly, things could have been handled differently at the end by both sides. He had been a popular and important figure in baseball’s recovery from the 1994-1995 strike – yet he and the Cubs had a parting of the ways and haven’t been able to get back on the same page.

While Sammy has limited the number of interviews he has done in recent years, he agreed to talk with me for this site – and we spoke at length via Skype a few days ago.

Why did he agree to speak to me? In the words of Rebecca Polihronis, a former Cubs colleague of mine and a publicist for Sosa, “Sammy trusts you.” Sammy said that to me, too, during the course of the call.

By trust, he knew I wouldn’t twist his words. In turn, I trust the words he said to me.

Skype – February 17, 2017

Chuck: How are you doing? It’s been a long time.

Sammy Sosa: “I know, I know, my goodness. I always ask Rebecca (Polihronis) about you. When Rebecca talked to me about it, I definitely wanted to do the interview with you. I’m ready to answer some questions.”

Chuck: First off, I really appreciate getting this opportunity. It’s been way too long since we last talked. As I was putting my thoughts together for this interview, I realized it will be 25 years this March when I met you for the first time. It was old, old HoHoKam Park, and you were sitting on a bench in the fake weight room.

Sammy (laughing): “My goodness, 25 years. It feels like yesterday. The bench … I remember it.”

Chuck: So, tell me all about life after baseball. How have things gone for you?

Sammy: “I’m very happy, my man. I’ve got my family. I’ve been successful in different areas in everything I’ve done outside the lines. I retired about 10 years ago, and it feels like it was yesterday. A lot of people come to me everywhere that I go – and it feels like I’m still playing. So I’m good. For a lot of people, life after baseball has been a little bit of a struggle. For me, I’ve always said that as soon as I retired from baseball, I had a good life to live. That’s why I organized myself to be ready after I retired. It was a good thing that I surrounded myself with good people to help me be more successful in the decisions I was making. I have a few projects that I have right now in Panama; we’re building around 2,000 houses, and that project is moving very well. I have business in Europe, Hong Kong, Dubai. And I keep myself busy in the Dominican Republic, which is my homeland. I’ve been traveling a lot, doing a lot of stuff. I’m also in Miami a lot. I feel that from the time I retired until now, I really haven’t missed baseball – to tell you the truth. I’m very happy with what I’m doing. I’m my own boss (laughing). I don’t have to be at the ballpark at 10 o’clock tomorrow morning. I’m very happy. I’m comfortable. I’ve got a lot of good people around me. And you know, I believe in God – he’s my savior (pointing to the sky, as he did after his home runs).”

Chuck: I remember when all of your older kids were born. You were traded to the Cubs just before Keysha’s birth. How is everyone?

Sammy: “Keysha is now 24. Kenia, my second girl, is 22. Junior (Sammy Jr.) is 20. Michael is 19.”

Chuck: That’s hard to believe. They’re all grown up.

Sammy: “And Kalexy is 5 and Rolando is 2. I think Rolando is going to be the baseball player. I’m hoping for it.”

Chuck: You had the four older kids when you were in the middle of your playing career. They were little babies, and you were a baseball player – so you weren’t always around. What’s it like to be a father this time around for Kalexy and Rolando?

Sammy: “My wife and I had the first four. After a while, I said to Sonia, ‘In a few years, our kids are going to leave our house. So let’s see if we can have a couple more kids – so we’re not home alone. I don’t want to be fighting with you every day (a lot of laughing).’ The first four, I was never home much – 162 games … spring training … it was hard. After I retired, I now see a different world and a different life. I’m becoming a better man because I see my kids every day. I have a chance to hug them every day, to be there every day. Anytime I have a trip that I have to go out of town, it’s never for very long – and then I come back and I always stay home to play with them. I feel great, because the two little ones see me every day. I stay home to play with Kalexy and Rolando as much as I can.”

Chuck: When the younger two kids are both school age, will you spend more time in the Miami area?

Sammy: “Right now, we go between the Dominican Republic and Miami. I have everything set up (in Miami), because I want my kids to get their education here. There’s more opportunity here. When you have an education in the U.S., you have a better chance to get a better job. I have a team here; my wife has a nanny and a driver to take my kids to school.”

Chuck: It’s been 10 years since you last played, and you said you haven’t missed it. Do you ever think about getting back into baseball in any capacity?

Sammy: “You know, I’m a man of the future. I see a vision. I see opportunity. I’m not saying I won’t come back, because if you say that – if an opportunity came up you’d have to say ‘No.’ But right now, unless it’s something tremendous … something that I’d have to say ‘Wow’ … something that I feel comfortable with … maybe. In the meantime, the position that I’m in right now – and the team that I have – I’m great, I’m comfortable. I have to say, I don’t want to be a coach. It doesn’t mean that I can’t come back. But my desire to be on the field again is over. The only way I could come back is if I’d have an opportunity to buy a team one day. Yes, that is on my agenda. When that opportunity comes, I’ll be surrounded by my people. To be a coach, I don’t see myself doing that. Maybe with Rolando – when he grows up, and I think he has the potential to be a baseball player – definitely, I can do something with him. But right now, the ideas that I have and the projects that I have, I think I will be more successful outside the lines. Baseball – whether you struck me out or I hit a home run – was easy for me. In the business world, I get a little smarter every day. I have a big company in the Dominican Republic. I’m doing very well there, and that company has been very successful for me. That’s why, when I hear people ask if I want to go back to baseball to be a coach, I say, ‘The only way I’ll come back to baseball is to be the owner of a team.’”

Chuck: That said, would you like to be able to come back to Chicago to do the 7th-inning stretch or the Cubs Convention or things like that?

Sammy: “I never say ‘No’ to that. I owe something to the people – to the crowd in Chicago. For that, I would come back. But I’m not going to go up there and say, ‘I’m here. Please bring me back and give me a chance.’ No way. I’m not hungry. I have too much pride. They know where they can find me. They’re in their way; I am in my way. If they want to have a meeting – of course … I’m a gentleman. I’d never say ‘No’ to that. If one day it happens, I’d be happy. And if it doesn’t, we can talk again on Skype.”

Chuck: The way everything ended in 2004 didn’t have to happen. Are there things you could have done differently that would have made it easier to have a better relationship with the organization?

Sammy: “My relationship with the organization was great. The last day of the season, the last game, I asked (assistant trainer) Sandy Krum to talk to Mr. Dusty Baker and ask him if I could leave early. He said yes, that I could go. That was a mistake by me. I should have stayed there. It was the last game. My intention was to finish my career in Chicago. That was my intention all the way. I never wanted to leave Chicago. I should have handled that situation differently, yes indeed. I recognize my mistake. But look, I have my pride, and I know I had a tremendous career in Chicago. When nobody knew who Chicago was, I put Chicago on the map. Like you said, if I could have done it again, I would have done it differently. The only thing we cannot do is turn back time. We can’t do that. But hey, we have to move forward. I understand I made a mistake. I regret it, definitely, but I have to move on.”

Chuck: When I say 1998 – Sosa vs. McGwire – what kind of memories does that bring back for you?

Sammy: “You’re never going to see that again in your life … never. You’re never going to see the show Mark and I put on … never. You’re not going to see that excitement again. We were the ones bringing more fans to the stadium … I feel proud of what I did. The only thing is, they can say whatever they want to say about me. First of all, I’m clean. They don’t have a case on me. I never failed a drug test. Never in my life. But you know what – this is not my field anymore. I’d rather not be in the Hall of Fame and have a lot of money in my pocket than to be in the Hall of Fame and try to find money to pay my bills (laughing) … You saw me grow up, you saw how hard I was working. A lot of people say so many things, but I’m telling you – they have nothing on me. I’m not going to go out there begging, because they have no case. They had the Mitchell Report trying to find something, but they had nothing on Mr. Sosa.”

Chuck: Does it bother you that people continue to say you did something … and there’s no proof you did something … and there’s nothing you can do to disprove them? Do you feel you’ve been found guilty without any evidence?

Sammy: “Chuck, it’s like Jesus Christ when he came to Jerusalem. Everybody thought Jesus Christ was a witch (laughing) – and he was our savior. So if they talk (poop) about Jesus Christ, what about me? Are you kidding me?”

Chuck: How important is it for you to be able to say, “I came to the United States at 16-to-17 years of age with very little education, and I was able to become a successful businessman?”

Sammy: “When I left the Dominican Republic, the last thing my mother told me at the airport was, ‘My son, I know you have a very strong character. You have a very strong temper. The only thing I want you to do: Please take care of your bosses … they’re the ones who pay you the check.’ I took that like it was yesterday. I came to this country not knowing how to speak English, not having an education. I don’t say that I’m a genius now, but I understand the language. I write as much as I can. I know how to read. I do what I can. And one of the things that I feel most comfortable and happy about is that I came to this country and had all of those barriers in front of me – and I went over them. This country made me stronger. This country made me who I am. I keep saying I’m a patriot. I’m from the Dominican, but trust me, I love the U.S. – because this is a country that gave me an opportunity. I came here with no name, and I put my name on the map. This country has been great to me. I’m very proud to be here. My family has had a very good education. My kids are very smart.”

Chuck: The 2016 World Series … How did it feel seeing the Cubs playing for the championship – and watching it on TV?

Sammy: “The incredible thing … I’d been watching the last couple of World Series. And last year, not because it was the Chicago Cubs, but because it was the seventh game of the World Series – it was one of the greatest games I’ve ever seen. Wow, it was incredible. Chicago showed the world that they can do it, and I hope they can repeat. As soon as they hired the manager (Joe Maddon), I was very happy about it. That manager gives chances to the young players. He knows how to deal with the young players. He makes everybody comfortable. Many managers – they don’t know how to deal with people. Believe me, this manager has that gift. That’s why everybody wants to play for him, because the guy is great. That World Series was one of the greatest. Both teams fought to the last out. And when (Rajai) Davis hit that home run … my goodness, it was a little bit scary. But then after that, it was amazing. Unbelievable.”

At the photo shoot for the 1999 Chicago Cubs Information Guide cover with 1998 N.L. Rookie of the Year Kerry Wood and 1998 N.L. MVP Sammy Sosa (photo by Steve Green)

Chuck: Wrigley Field … it’s not the same ballpark you played in after all the remodeling that has taken place. Would you like to go back to see what it looks like now?

Sammy: “Hey, if they send me an invitation, then I would definitely say ‘Yes.’ This is my house – no matter what happened (at the end). My numbers – nobody is going to take them from me. Not even Mr. Cub, Ernie Banks, hit that many home runs. And I did it with style (laughing). But if they invite me, why not? One day, if they invite me, a lot of people will be very happy about it.”

Chuck: I get that you want an invitation. I just want to know … Would you come back to Chicago to see the new Wrigley Field on your own, or do you have to be invited?

Sammy: “Look, if I don’t see it again, I’ll send my drone over there and I’ll watch it from my house. I won’t have to move (laughing).”

Chuck: But then you wouldn’t have the rightfield bleacher fans bowing and saluting you.

Sammy: “I understand what you’re saying. If one day they want to do something, I want to do it in style. If it’s going to happen, it’s got to be the right way. Don’t worry, one day they’re going to do it. I’m not in a rush.”

Terry,
What does that matter any longer. Pudge did, was elected to the HOF and avoided the question. Players did cocaine, Molitor , Raines, etc.... Bonds and Clemens get many votes and are known enhancement abusers. Baseball was faltering in the 80's and 90's and McGwire and Sosa's battle put excitement back into the game. The substance abuse is a waste to debate about.

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Terry Hartung

2/21/2017 04:37:51 pm

I can't believe you think the names and ages of Sammy Sosa's kids are more newsworthy than PEDs. PEDs are news every year when the HOF inductees are announced, and they will be until all the cheaters are finally ineligible. Sosa, Bonds, Clemens, McGwire all have HOF stats but will never get in. THAT is news. THAT is the history of baseball. And, you want to just sweep it under the rug. You wasted a golden opportunity -- you said so yourself that Sosa doesn't give out interviews -- to try and get some answers from him. Try to be more objective next time.

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Chuck Wasserstrom

2/21/2017 05:08:28 pm

Hi Terry. Thank you very much for writing. I don't know if you noticed, but I didn't respond to your initial comment; another reader did. I don't understand -- nor need to understand -- your level of hostility, but please know the comments you raised your blood pressure over didn't come from me. Thanks again for writing. Chuck

Rich

2/21/2017 10:01:05 pm

Terry...

The very first thing I recollected about this story was Chuck stating that how Sammy TRUSTED him. This story clearly wasn't and ESPN article which has to make huge headlines and expose every detail of Sosa's career and life.

This was a man with a history with Sosa. This was a very rare interview. The last thing that Chuck would want to do would be to breach that trust by asking questions that don't need to be asked today. In time maybe things come out. Maybe not.

I give Chuck credit for NOT asking the questions that guys like you want answers to.

jo

2/21/2017 05:25:54 pm

He did ask and Sosa did address it. Here it is again in case you failed to read the whole thing:

Chuck: When I say 1998 – Sosa vs. McGwire – what kind of memories does that bring back for you?

Sammy: “You’re never going to see that again in your life … never. You’re never going to see the show Mark and I put on … never. You’re not going to see that excitement again. We were the ones bringing more fans to the stadium … I feel proud of what I did. The only thing is, they can say whatever they want to say about me. First of all, I’m clean. They don’t have a case on me. I never failed a drug test. Never in my life. But you know what – this is not my field anymore. I’d rather not be in the Hall of Fame and have a lot of money in my pocket than to be in the Hall of Fame and try to find money to pay my bills (laughing) … You saw me grow up, you saw how hard I was working. A lot of people say so many things, but I’m telling you – they have nothing on me. I’m not going to go out there begging, because they have no case. They had the Mitchell Report trying to find something, but they had nothing on Mr. Sosa.”

Chuck: Does it bother you that people continue to say you did something … and there’s no proof you did something … and there’s nothing you can do to disprove them? Do you feel you’ve been found guilty without any evidence?

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Dan

2/21/2017 07:51:51 pm

Chuck,
Fascinating read. I was a huge Sammy fan growing up and still am to this day. How neat that you got to do this interview. Thanks for sharing.

Best,
Dan

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Chuck Wasserstrom

2/21/2017 09:09:59 pm

Thanks for the nice comments. I truly appreciate hearing from you!

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Tod

2/22/2017 08:32:51 am

Great interview Chuck,
You did ask the questions that Cub fans wanted to hear btw. Listen, to me he will always be a big part of why I completely love the Cubs and a huge part of my youth growing up. While Sammy was still on the team, Wrigley was in my territory and occasionally I would just pop into a game by just walking up to the window and buy a ticket during a work day. Those were great days and nights. I would love to see Sammy come back now because the curse has been broken and it's time because this is a new organization from top to bottom. Nobody is left in this organization anymore from when Sammy left so it is definitely time and I think a lot of people would be happy to see him now like he said. Also, he is one of ours and we should treat him with respect. He's a Cub forever.....

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Chuck Wasserstrom

2/22/2017 07:47:42 pm

Hi Tod: Thanks for the nice words. I'm glad to hear that you appreciated the conversation. Chuck

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Colin A Holloway

2/22/2017 08:49:43 am

Chuck,

I've been a lifelong Cubs fan and Sosa will always be a hero to me. His name stands out to me in the same way that Andre Dawson or even Ernie Banks does.

This made for a fantastic read and I am very glad this was an interview about the man and his life rather than the tired old discussion of PEDs. Sammy says he was clean and there is no evidence to the contrary, then I trust the man. Hopefully some day we get to see him again at Wrigley on his terms!

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Colin A Holloway

2/22/2017 08:49:52 am

Chuck,

I've been a lifelong Cubs fan and Sosa will always be a hero to me. His name stands out to me in the same way that Andre Dawson or even Ernie Banks does.

This made for a fantastic read and I am very glad this was an interview about the man and his life rather than the tired old discussion of PEDs. Sammy says he was clean and there is no evidence to the contrary, then I trust the man. Hopefully some day we get to see him again at Wrigley on his terms!

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Colin A Holloway

2/22/2017 08:50:10 am

Chuck,

I've been a lifelong Cubs fan and Sosa will always be a hero to me. His name stands out to me in the same way that Andre Dawson or even Ernie Banks does. I am very glad this was an interview about the man and his life rather than the tired old discussion of PEDs. Sammy says he was clean and there is no evidence to the contrary, then I trust the man. Hopefully some day we get to see him again at Wrigley on his terms!

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Chuck Wasserstrom

2/22/2017 07:48:54 pm

Hi Colin: Thanks for writing. I appreciate it! Chuck

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Naldy Thompson

2/22/2017 09:30:40 am

Wow, what a tool! Saying he put Chicago on the map and comparing himself to Jesus. The ego of this guy is astounding. Plus it sounds like he needs the red carpet rolled out after a parade thrown in his honor for him to bother to come visit the "many people that will be happy" at Wrigley. Good riddance.

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Chuck Wasserstrom

2/22/2017 07:50:07 pm

Hi Naldy: Thanks for the comment. I appreciate that you took the time to write. Chuck

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Bob Barrese

2/22/2017 09:54:46 am

Love to see Sammy invited back to Wrigley he gave us a lot of thrills and hell deep down we all knew he was doing something to go from that skinny kid to Charles Atlas. On HOF, letting Pudge in broke the line how can you not let in Sammy, Clemens, Bonds, McGuire?

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Chuck Wasserstrom

2/22/2017 07:51:33 pm

Hi Bob: Appreciate that you took the time to write. Thanks for the nice comments! Chuck

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Colin A Holloway

2/22/2017 10:37:46 am

Chuck,

I've been a lifelong Cubs fan and Sosa will always be a hero to me. His name stands out to me in the same way that Andre Dawson or even Ernie Banks does.

This made for a fantastic read and I am very glad this was an interview about the man and his life rather than the tired old discussion of PEDs. Sammy says he was clean and there is no evidence to the contrary, then I trust the man. Hopefully some day we get to see him again at Wrigley on his terms!

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Yeah, Right

2/22/2017 11:20:35 am

Chuckie and Duh Juicer.

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Louis

2/22/2017 01:18:24 pm

Baseball is America's National Pastime and if I remember correctly, in America you're innocent until proven guilty. There are no failed tests and nothing in the Mitchell Report. About the only thing that ever happened was a corked bat. Leave the man alone. He obviously is clean. As much as every other professional athelete has been investigated and everything that has been found, nothing has come to light on Sosa.
Sammy Sosa personified the American Dream. He came from humble beginnings to a land totally foreign to him and worked hard to persevere. He should be lauded not just for his talents on the field, but in life as a whole. He was and always will be a significant part of the history of the Chicago Cubs and Major League Baseball. The Cubs organization should now reach out to him to bring him in on the celebration of breaking the curse and winning the World Series.

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Chuck Wasserstrom

2/22/2017 07:53:10 pm

Hi Louis: Thanks for all the great thoughts. I'm glad you took the time to read the story -- and to craft your comments. Thanks again! Chuck

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Colin A Holloway

2/22/2017 02:34:04 pm

Chuck,

I've been a lifelong Cubs fan and Sosa will always be a hero to me. His name stands out to me in the same way that Andre Dawson or even Ernie Banks does.

This made for a fantastic read and I am very glad this was an interview about the man and his life rather than the tired old discussion of PEDs. Sammy says he was clean and there is no evidence to the contrary, then I trust the man. Hopefully some day we get to see him again at Wrigley on his terms!

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Naldy Thompson

3/6/2017 05:39:43 pm

Hopefully that cheater stays where he is...slum-lording and taking advantage of the people of his country, where he is despised.

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Michael Foster

2/22/2017 07:06:07 pm

Chuck, great read! BIG thanks for your efforts on this. Long time Cub fans, BIG Sammy fans too. Just give me a heads up when he's gonna return to Wrigley so I can book our airfare!

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Chuck Wasserstrom

2/22/2017 07:54:04 pm

Hi Michael: Thanks for writing! And thank you for the kind words. Chuck

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Barry

2/22/2017 07:20:11 pm

Sammy was the best player to ever put on the blue pinstripes. Invite him back, put up a Pennant in right field and make it right.

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Chuck Wasserstrom

2/22/2017 07:54:44 pm

Hi Barry: Thanks for writing! Chuck

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Don Redd

2/23/2017 06:05:50 am

Hi Chuck,
What a great chat with Sammy! All of us diehard Cub fans will never forget the tape measure bombs Sammy hit. His HR race with McGuire was magical. When baseball was trying to recover from a strike season they both single handily brought fans back to the seats and helped save the game we all love. The PED generation is what it is. Major League Baseball is at fault for not being on top of that. Tough to break rules when there weren't any! Sammy was electric and loved during his time in Cubbie Blue. So glad you were able to connect with Sammy and like most Cub fans, would love to see both sides mend this relationship and have Sammy back at Wrigley someday. Great interview and congratulations!
Don

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Chuck Wasserstrom

2/23/2017 07:18:45 am

Hi Don: Thank you very much for all the kind words. I realize Sammy can be a lightning rod, but I'm glad fans like you recognize what a fun time it was during his years with the Cubs. Thanks for writing! Chuck

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George Gray

2/23/2017 11:22:01 am

Chuck,

Thank you for doing the interview that all of us Cubs fans have been waiting for. Despite those who feel the need to press the drug issue, everyone seems to forget that at the end of the day these guys are people with families. Good to see that Sammy is doing well. I actually think everyone knew who the Cubs were before Sosa, so to say that Sosa actually put Chicago on the map was pretty humorous..but that is just Sammy. We thank him for his tremendous career in Chicago, and look forward to seeing him get his much deserved invitation back to Wrigley.

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Chuck Wasserstrom

2/23/2017 02:07:30 pm

Hi George: Thanks for the nice note. I really appreciate that you took the time to read the interview -- and to write to me. Have a great day! Chuck

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Eddie

2/23/2017 01:21:50 pm

Chuck-I have a # of random thoughts here:

*The guys pitching to Sammy and the others were also juiced up! So,doesn't that somewhat "balance" his stats to the non-steroid era?

*If the Cubs have blown this guy off, they are being very childish. Walking out of the last game is a rather mild offense when you compare it to betting on games (Rose) and lying to Congress (Palmero)

*As a native Chicagoan, I remember in 3rd grade that we were on the map long before Sammy!

I wish you would have asked him if he ever found out who urinated in his locker after he left early the last game of 2004. Or how about, "what do you think the other guys in the clubhouse would say about Sammy Sosa"?

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Chuck Wasserstrom

2/26/2017 09:18:33 am

Thank you for taking the time to read this story and for leaving a comment. Chuck

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WR

2/25/2017 09:49:47 am

Great article but unfortunately it didn't change my views of Sosa one bit. Maybe the Cubs mend fences with him, maybe not. But I'm never going to cheer for him again. Between the corked bat, quitting on his team, thinking it was all about him, and the PEDs, those aren't values I share. I know he regrets quitting on his team, but that doesn't mean I have to forgive him.

He's not the ONLY reason the Cubs got back "on the map" - the 1998 and 2003 teams had some other pretty good players: Grace, Wood, Beck, Alou, Aramis Ramirez, Prior, Zambrano. His comment shows that he was about himself, not the team. He could have easily said, "I was one of several great players who put the Cubs back on the map." Instead he tried to take all the credit for himself.

And finally there's the PED issue. Maybe authorities have nothing on him, but I also remember when he was asked during a WGN interview to take a test right then and there and he refused. That's his right but in the court of public opinion he's as much a roider and liar as McGwire, Bonds, Palmeiro, Clemens, and the rest. I hope none of them EVER makes the HOF.

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Chuck Wasserstrom

2/26/2017 09:21:54 am

Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. While we may not necessarily agree on the subject matter, I appreciate the words you wrote. Have a great day! Chuck

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MNM

2/25/2017 03:52:20 pm

I loved watching the game with my dad. He was a huge Sosa fan, which in turn made me one. I think all the FANS should come together to get Sosa back to Wrigley. He was and is a major role in baseball. He and McGwire put excitement back in baseball.. They all deserve to be in the HOFFMAN. They played.

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Chuck Wasserstrom

2/26/2017 09:22:26 am

Thanks for writing! I appreciate that you took the time to leave a comment. Chuck

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René Thomas

2/27/2017 10:46:57 pm

Great interview, but as some readers pointed out the omission on the PED questions deems it incomplete.

In my humble opinion, the lack of recognition by Sammy of the other greats seems like an ego trip..he was great, but not God-like. Many players of the era that were not God-like or saviors needed to use PEDs keep, fatten, or obtain big contracts. To me, those were money decisions, not a love for the game. I'm a long time Yankees fan, and weird enough, the only Yankees that did impress me more than any other was Paul O'Neil..not big numbers, but great work ethics and dedication to his team.

I think there is a longstanding unwritten rule about the integrity of the game... Many players use the "no evidence found" statement as a shield. I'm no one important as a writers, but because the writers chose Pudge to the HOF, please don't use that as a shield.

I'm Dominican like Sammy and he knows many of us feel betrayed by what we perceived as been dishonest to Chicago and to the game.

I was planning the exact same thing. I guess this changed my mind. Haha. Anyways, what's the best career for you in Chicago?

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Andre

4/29/2017 02:44:46 pm

I truly believe he didnt use the right wording in this interview Chuck he in him using the wording of jesus christ that is common saying in the dominican culture that is stating he is the perfect being that was being criticized what can i expect. To begin i find its hypocritical of MLB and some folks to be so critical of Sammy because the commisioner of baseball stated that when referring to David Ortiz and his positive test on the same list that Sammy was on that those test are not a reliable source of implementing guilt of steroid use, Now on to the corcked bat incident i believe i read an article stating that all his other bats where tested and none came back positive for corked,Now on to the cubs relationship they are acting very indifferent with sammy a comparison of a profalatic used up and then washed down the toilet, Sammy was a guy who brought money and attention to the Cubs. They need to balance the good and bad.And i believe they will get more good than bad. At the same time for the Cubs to welcome a guy like Manny Ramirez who failed drug test 3 times and Aroldis Chapman with his domestic Abuse bagge but yet not welcome back Sammy is a shame. The Hall of fame is as biased as ever Mike Piazza,Pudge Rodriguez suspected users are in and Bud Selig the man in Charge of Steroid Era who in the early years did almont nothing to stop it is in the hall of fame.What a horrible case of double standard and favortism at its best.